The Great Empowerment of Vajra Nairātmyā by His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoché, Frederick, MD, Followed by 5 Days of Teachings, August 14 - 21, 2010

We are pleased to be able to share with our sangha and friends information about this special event, sponsored by our friends at Tibetan Meditation Center, in Frederick, Maryland, where this event will be held. We have reprinted just a small portion of the complete announcement below. For further information, please click here to be taken to their lovely website.

The Great Empowerment of Vajra Nairātmyā
by His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoché

The Vajra Nairātmyā Great Empowerment that His Holiness will confer is part of the famous Seven Maṇḍalas of Ngok. The Drigung Kagyü was once the chief holder of this important collection of highest yoga tantras that Marpa transmitted to his disciple Ngok Chöku Dorjé (rngog chos sku rdo rje, 1036-1102), Marpa's disciple most learned in the tantric system. [An equally important transmission of the Hevajra system is maintained in the Sakya lineage, a system that came through Drokmi Lotsawa (993–1050).] In 2009, His Holiness conferred this same program at the Garchen Buddhist Institute in Germany to over 200 disciples from all over Europe, making it the first European transmission of this practice by His Holiness. His Holiness says that the revitalization of this tradition in the Drigung Kagyü is one of his main priorities in this lifetime. At the Germany transmission, His Holiness explained that he is re-establishing this tradition of practicing the Hevajra system in all Drikung Kagyü monasteries and centers. After the empowerment on August 14 & 15, His Holiness will give instructions on the generation-stage practice of Vajra Nairātmyā in the form of a shorter sadhana meant for daily use as well as a more extensive sadhana for retreat use.

Program Schedule
Saturday 8/14 - Preparatory Empowerment
Sunday 8/15 - Actual Great Empowerment of the 15-deities Vajra Nairātmyā (need to attend both days)
Monday 8/16 - Teachings on Nairātmyā Sadhana
Tuesday 8/17 - Teachings on Nairātmyā Sadhana
Wednesday 8/18 - Group Practice & Practical Instructions
Thursday 8/19 - Group Practice & Practical Instructions
Friday 8/20 - Hevajra Fulfillment Fire-puja (held at TMC)
Saturday 8/21 - "Offering to the Spiritual Mentor Practice" (Lama Chöpa) & "Maṇḍala and Long-life Offering" to His Holiness (held at TMC)